Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

Where feasible, the construction shall occur from the bank, or on a temporary pad
underlain with filter fabric.
Use of heavy equipment shall be avoided in a channel bottom with rocky or cobbled
substrate. If access to the work site requires crossing a rocky or cobbled substrate, a
rubber tire loader/backhoe is the preferred vehicle. Only after this option has been
determined infeasible will the use of tracked vehicles be considered. The amount of time
this equipment is stationed, working, or traveling within the creek bed shall be
minimized. When heavy equipment is used, woody debris and vegetation on banks and
in the channel shall not be disturbed if outside of the project’s scope.
All mechanized equipment working in the stream channel or within 25 feet of a wetted
channel shall have a double containment system for diesel and oil fluids. Hydraulic
fluids in mechanical equipment working within the stream channel shall not contain
organophosphate esters. Vegetable based hydraulic fluids are preferred.
The use or storage of petroleum-powered equipment shall be accomplished in a manner
to prevent the potential release of petroleum materials into waters of the state (Fish and
Game Code 5650).
Areas for fuel storage, refueling, and servicing of construction equipment must be located
in an upland location.
Prior to use, clean all equipment to remove external oil, grease, dirt, or mud. Wash sites
must be located in upland locations so wash water does not flow into a stream channel or
adjacent wetlands.
All construction equipment must be in good working condition, showing no signs of fuel
or oil leaks. Prior to construction, all mechanical equipment shall be thoroughly
inspected and evaluated for the potential of fluid leakage. All mechanical equipment
shall be inspected on a daily basis to ensure there are no motor oil, transmission fluid,
hydraulic fluid, or coolant leaks. All leaks shall be repaired in the equipment staging area
or other suitable location prior to resumption of construction activity.
Oil absorbent and spill containment materials shall be located on site when mechanical
equipment is in operation with 100 feet of the proposed watercourse crossings. If a spill
occurs, no additional work shall commence in-channel until (1) the mechanical
equipment is inspected by the contractor, and the leak has been repaired, (2) the spill has
been contained, and (3) CDFW and NOAA RC are contacted and have evaluated the
impacts of the spill.
d. Measures to Minimize Degradation of Water Quality
Construction or maintenance activities for projects covered under the Program may result in
temporary increases in turbidity levels in the stream. The following measures will be
implemented to reduce the potential for adverse effects to water quality during and postconstruction:
(1) General erosion control during construction:
When appropriate, isolate the construction area from flowing water until project materials
are installed and erosion protection is in place.
Effective erosion control measures shall be in place at all times during construction. Do
not start construction until all temporary control devices (e.g., straw bales with sterile,
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